Castlegar Council Highlights – April 14, 2025
By City of Castlegar
Mayor and Council are responsible for setting the tax rate, approving the City’s budget and determining overarching service levels. Below are the highlights from the latest Council meetings, summarizing recent actions and outcomes.
$200,000 Grant for FireSmart Program & Wildfire Resilience
The City has received $200,000 from the UBCM FireSmart Community Funding program to launch an independent FireSmart Assessment Program tailored to Castlegar. Previously delivered in collaboration with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), the City will now manage this program directly. Recruitment for a Climate Readiness Coordinator is underway. In the meantime, residents can contact the Castlegar Fire Department at 250-365-3266 to register for a FireSmart assessment.
The funding will also support the development of a new Community Wildfire Resilience Plan, which will update the City’s previous 2020 Wildfire Protection Plan.
City Partners with RDCK on Indigenous Engagement for Emergency Management
Council approved entering a Memorandum of Understanding with the RDCK to meet new Indigenous Engagement Requirements under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act. The City will transfer $40,000 in provincial funding to the RDCK, which will lead a collaborative regional approach to support respectful engagement with Indigenous governing bodies, cultural safety training, and the development of a sub-regional emergency management roadmap.
📖 Read the Staff Report
Stay Connected – Stay Informed: Sign Up for Emergency Alerts and City News
Council was introduced to the City’s new campaign encouraging residents to stay informed by signing up for Voyent Alert! and City News—two separate tools for ensuring you get the information that matters to you.
- Voyent Alert! provides real-time emergency notifications, such as wildfire evacuations, extreme weather, or public safety advisories, customized to your chosen locations.
- City News delivers email updates on City initiatives, Council highlights, job opportunities, bids and tenders, and West Kootenay Regional Airport updates.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for both at castlegar.ca/subscribe to stay aware, prepared, and connected. Assistance is available for those needing help with registration.
Council Reviews Progress on 2025 Strategic Plan Implementation
Council received the Quarter 1 update on the implementation of the 2025 Council Strategic Plan. The report highlights progress made between January and March 2025 on priority projects aligned with Council’s six guiding principles, including governance excellence, housing, quality of life, airport growth, healthcare access, and economic development. The update reinforces the City’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and delivering on strategic goals.
📖 Read the Staff Report and Quarter 1 Implementation Report
Brandson Park Renewal Moves Forward
Council awarded the contract for the Brandson Neighbourhood Park Renewal Design-Build to Suttle Recreation Inc. for $265,000 plus taxes. Its design reflects community priorities and sustainable materials, including BC-grown yellow cedar play components. The decision follows two rounds of community engagement that emphasized the need for a playground for all ages, accessible features, and green space. Construction is scheduled to be completed by fall 2025.
📖 Read the Staff Report
Outdoor Basketball Court Approved in Principle for Millennium Park & Ponds
Council approved, in principle, the construction of a new outdoor basketball court at Millennium Park & Ponds in partnership with the Castlegar Rotary Interact Club. The Club will address site preparation, environmental considerations, and safety requirements before construction begins. An agreement outlining responsibilities and the handover process will be developed. This project will enhance recreational opportunities for residents, especially youth.
📖 Read the Staff Report
Want to catch up on Council meetings?
Visit castlegar.ca/council to watch meetings and see all the presentations.
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